Shanghai Biennale Explores Nonhuman Perception Through Sensory Installations

The 15th Shanghai Biennale, titled 'On Not Knowing,' commenced at the Power Station of Art (PSA) in 2025, exploring the concept of knowledge beyond human perspectives. Chief curator Kitty Scott utilized research from the University of Turin regarding how plants react to the buzzing of bees. Rachaporn Choochuey crafted the exhibition to promote an instinctive exploration. Notable installations included 'Phantom Forest' by Allora & Calzadilla (2025), 'Accommodating the Epic Dispersion' by Haegue Yang (2012), and videos from Francis Alÿs's 'Children's Games' (1999–). Additional pieces comprised Christine Sun Kim's 'Heavy Relevance' (2024), Cristina Flores Pescorán's 'Abrazar el sol' (2023–24), Aki Inomata's 'How to Carve a Sculpture' (2018–), and Amar Kanwar's 'The Peacock's Graveyard' (2023). The biennale sought to challenge anthropocentric views through sensory engagement.